Student Visa to Study In Australia

Australia Study Visa Guide

After receiving an acceptance letter from an Australian university, you can proceed to apply for an Australian Study Visa (subclass 500).

This visa is designed for international students who intend to pursue academic, research, or vocational studies at a recognised learning institution in Australia. To ensure a smooth application process and stay up-to-date with immigration rules and regulations, it's advisable to seek assistance from consultants like SI-Australia. We provide guidance and answer any queries you may have.

Australia Study Visa Eligibility

An Australian Study Visa costs approximately 630 AUD for subclass 500, and the processing fees can be paid online or offline using cards or demand drafts. To be eligible for a Student Visa, the following criteria must be met:

• Acceptance by an Australian university or college
• Clean background with no criminal record.
• Certification of good health.
• Demonstrated intention to return to the country of origin after completing studies.
• Sufficient funds to cover study expenses, living expenses, and the support of oneself (see details below).

Required Student Visa documents

Requirements for International Student Visa Application:

• Offer Letter: Once you have been accepted into your desired educational institution, you will receive a Letter of Offer. It is crucial to thoroughly review this letter as it contains important information such as course details, terms and conditions, and fees associated with your program. Make sure to keep a copy of the Letter of Offer for your reference and potential future claims or inquiries.
• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): After accepting the offer from your chosen educational institution and submitting the required deposit, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the institution. Including a copy of this document in your visa application is essential as proof of your enrollment in your chosen course.
• All Academic Documents: The requested documents for an applicant's academic profile include a certified degree/diploma, certificates and mark sheets from 10th grade onwards, original degree/diploma transcripts, work experience certificate, and an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score.
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: To meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for studying in Australia, an applicant must provide a statement demonstrating their sincere intention to study in Australia and return to their home country afterwards. The statement should emphasise the applicant's strong ties to their home country, such as family connections, employment commitments, or future career and academic goals. 
• Financial proof of living expenses: When applying for a visa to study in Australia, it is essential to provide evidence of financial capacity to support oneself during the intended period. This can be accomplished by submitting bank statements, documentation of grants or scholarships, or proof of income from parents or partners. 
• Medical Exam: International students planning to study in Australia are required to undergo a health examination and provide a medical certificate to meet the health requirements set by the Australian Government. This examination is necessary to assess the student's health condition and ensure that they do not pose a risk to the Australian community or incur excessive healthcare costs. 
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): When studying in Australia, obtaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your stay is mandatory. Failure to provide proof of OSHC will result in the denial of your visa application. OSHC offers coverage for various medical expenses, including prescriptions and emergency ambulance services.

Please note that these requirements may be subject to change, so it's important to refer to the official websites of the Australian Department of Home Affairs and your chosen education provider for the most up-to-date information.

How long does it take to receive an Australian Study Visa?

The processing time for an Australian student visa varies depending on the stream and sector of study. The Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) has streamlined the processing time for most visa applications.

Vocational Education and Training Sector:

• 75% Processing: 36 days
• 90% Processing: 52 days

Higher Education Sector:

• 75% Processing: 17 days
• 90% Processing: 32 days

Please note that these processing times are indicative and can vary and it is generally recommended to apply for the student visa at least 12 weeks before the day of orientation at the educational institution to allow for any delays or additional document requests. The higher education provider in Australia will issue an Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE), which is essential for the student visa application process. Once the application is complete, it is sent to the Department of Home Affairs for processing.

Student Visa Application Process

The process of applying for an Australian Study Visa involves three main steps, described below:

1. Determine your eligibility

Make sure you meet the necessary requirements for an Australian Study Visa. You will need to have the following:

• An acceptance letter from an Australian University
• Proof of financial support
• Supporting documents

2. Prepare your application

If you meet all the eligibility criteria, start gathering all the required supporting documents mentioned above.

3. Submit your Study Visa application

You can now submit your application electronically by providing scanned or electronic copies of your supporting documents. Once your visa is approved, the Australian government will issue you a Port of Entry Introduction Letter.

Australia Student Visa Enquiry

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact SI-Australia, who can assist with all queries regarding Australian Study Visas.